Wide Local Excisions

(Removal of Breast Tumour)

Wide local excisions are normally performed to treat breast cancer, which affects some 45,000 women every year. The cancer is a malignant tumour (group of cells) which starts in the glandular tissue of the breast. This group of cells can start to grow and spread.

Surgery is the most effective way of removing the breast cancer with a margin (border) of normal breast tissue. In some cases the lymph nodes (glands) will also be removed, so that the pathologist can identify if the cancer has spread. If it is found to have spread then further surgery may be necessary.

Radiotherapy to the breast area will also be required, reducing the risk of cancer returning to that breast. If you have any questions regarding this procedure at any given point, the KIMS team are always happy to discuss and explain the research findings and how this is a very effective way of tackling early breast cancer.

Arranging your Treatment

Before going ahead with this treatment, you will need to have an initial consultation with a specialist Consultant to go through your medical history and diagnosis. At this appointment, your consultant will confirm the exact treatment you require.

If you would like to have an initial consultation, you can call us and we can help you find the best consultant for you to see.

For more information, call our Reservations team on 01622 237727 or email reservations@kims.org.uk.

Paying for your Treatment

You can be treated at KIMS by using your private medical insurance or by paying for yourself.

If you have private medical insurance, you will need to contact your insurer to ensure you are covered for the initial consultation prior to making an appointment and obtain an authorisation number. The insurance company will then need to be advised if you require further treatment. The insurance company usually settles bills on your behalf.

If you are paying for your own treatment, you will need to pay for an initial consultation. This will be confirmed at the time of booking but is typically £150-£250. You will also need to pay for any associated diagnostic tests your consultant recommends (for example x-rays and blood tests).

Following this consultation, if you don’t need any further treatment or if you decide paying for yourself isn’t the right option, there is no commitment to proceed further.

If you require the operation or procedure to be carried out, you will receive a quote for your treatment. This quote is also subject to pre-assessment checks prior to your admission to hospital.

Payment is required 7 days prior to admission.

The wide local excision will be performed under general anaesthetic. You will also have local anaesthetic injections to help numb the pain after the operation. You will probably be in hospital for a few days for recovery.

Once under general anaesthetic your consultant will make an incision into your breast depending on where the cancer is situated. Your surgeon will remove the breast cancer and some surrounding breast tissue.

An x-ray of the tissue may be necessary to ensure that enough has been removed, saving further breast surgery. Lymph nodes will also be taken out through the same incision or possibly through a small incision made in the armpit area; this will be discussed prior to your operation.

When you wake you will find tubes inserted to help drain and heal your wound. You will find the breast area will feel tender and tight. Your arm and shoulder will also feel sore and stiff, especially if you’ve had all your lymph nodes removed. We strongly recommend you carry out the exercises given to help strengthen your arm; it’s important you continue to do these when you get home too.

Your breast tissue and lymph nodes will be examined by a pathologist and the results will be with you within two weeks. 90% of women benefit from receiving additional therapy treatment to ensure the chance of cancer recurring is kept to a minimum. If this is the case your consultant and oncologist will discuss the options best suited for you.

After about three weeks you should be able to return to normal activities such as driving and light work. It is recommended you do not do anything strenuous or carry out any vigorous exercise during this time. If you wish to return to work and exercise we advise you discuss this with your consultant or GP.